Community backs Scarborough-Trigg coastal boardwalk
The community has thrown its support behind a coastal boardwalk between Scarborough and Trigg, with a resounding 70 per cent of people backing the boardwalk.
The City of Stirling ran an extensive consultation process from 30 July to 30 August, inviting the community to learn more about the proposal and provide their feedback.
As part of the process, the City hosted an information session and five community drop-in sessions attended by hundreds of community members.
The results of the consultation were emphatic, with 70 per cent of the 2,499 total submissions in support of the proposal.
“I'm not surprised the community got behind the boardwalk because the benefits are obvious,” City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said.
“This is a safer, more scenic and more immersive option for our community, away from the noise and congestion along West Coast Highway.
“It would encourage people to stop and smell the ocean air, watch the surf breaks and enjoy the journey along our world-class coastline.
“It would also create a destination for tourists, giving visitors a new way to experience our coast and connecting two fantastic foreshore precincts at Scarborough and Trigg.”
Community consultation was a key element of a comprehensive feasibility study, which has explored the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of a coastal boardwalk.
The proposed boardwalk would also provide opportunities for storytelling, from elements of Nyoongar culture to the surfing history of Scarborough and Trigg.
“This boardwalk is an idea that’s been talked about for at least 20 years, but this is the first time we've actually done the work to find out if it’s a good idea,” Mayor Irwin said.
“Now, we know it can be done in an environmentally sensitive way, and we know the community is right behind it.
“This is exciting news for our City and I know a lot of people want us to hurry up and build it, but there are still some important milestones to come, from environmental approvals to government funding.
“We received plenty of great feedback during the consultation, so we’ll take a close look at that feedback as we finalise the feasibility study.”
